Australian shares are trading lower as a series of bleak headlines boosts risk sentiment and sends jitters through equity markets.

The S&P/ASX200 fell 22.8 points, or 0.27 per cent, to 8,411.9 on Monday as the broader All Ordinaries lost 24.5 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 8,635.8.

The fall followed multiple escalations in global risk, including the US and China accusing each other of breaking tariff agreements, Ukrainian drone strikes deep within Russian territory and reports Iran has boosted its weapons-grade uranium production.

Energy stocks led eight of 11 local sectors lower, shedding 1.1 per cent despite a lift in oil prices, while the gloomy outlook weighed on the iron ore price and large-cap miners.

The Australian dollar is buying 64.60 US cents, up from 64.23 US cents at 5pm on Friday.

This post was originally published on Michael West.